JACK W. GRIFFITH, LT, USN

Jack Griffith '44

Lucky Bag

Jack Walter Griffith

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tall, dark and vociferous, Griffith was easy to know and everybody's friend. He was champion of the plebes, making it his duty to see that they were not unduly trod upon. Except for a shot at battalion swimming plebe year, he didn't go in for sports or other extracurricular activities to any great extent. Instead, he spent most of his time trying to beat the Executive Department, which, recognising his efforts in this field, bestowed the coveted "Black N" as a reward during youngster year. "Jungle Jim" was a hard worker, with only occasional lapses, blessed with a mind which he didn't fail to use and seldom failed to speak.

The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Jack Walter Griffith

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tall, dark and vociferous, Griffith was easy to know and everybody's friend. He was champion of the plebes, making it his duty to see that they were not unduly trod upon. Except for a shot at battalion swimming plebe year, he didn't go in for sports or other extracurricular activities to any great extent. Instead, he spent most of his time trying to beat the Executive Department, which, recognising his efforts in this field, bestowed the coveted "Black N" as a reward during youngster year. "Jungle Jim" was a hard worker, with only occasional lapses, blessed with a mind which he didn't fail to use and seldom failed to speak.

The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

USNA Class of 1944, Lieutenant Griffith was as the pilot of a F9F-2 Pantherjet fighter with Fighter Squadron 24 aboard the USS BOXER (CV-21). On July 4, 1952, while serving as a photographic escort south of Wonsan, Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire, crashed and exploded. He was listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on May 25, 1954.

For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Griffith was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Combat Service Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.